Perioral dermatitis caused by steroid cream

Persistent eruption composed of erythematous papules and papulopustules. It is distributed primarily around the mouth, affecting the chin and the nasolabial folds and sparing a clear zone around the vermillon border. Itching is never severe, but a sensation of burning is frequently noted. Perioral dermatitis occurs primarily in young women. A number of aetiological factors have been postulated, the main factors being occlusion of the skin surface with moisturising creams in predisposed individuals and prolonged therapy with powerful topical corticosteroids.

The disorder appears to have made a sudden appearance with a case of ‘light sensitive seborrhoeid’ in 1957, which is said to be the first nearest description of the condition. By 1964, the condition in adults became popularly known as perioral dermatitis but without clear clinical criteria. [2] In 1970, the condition was recognised in children. That all rashes around the mouth are perioral dermatitis has since been frequently debated. [16] That this condition should be renamed periorificial dermatitis has been proposed. [2] Darrell Wilkinson , 1919-2009, was a British dermatologist who gave one of the earliest 'definitive' descriptions of 'perioral dermatitis' and noted that the condition was not always associated with the use of fluorinated steroid creams. [7] [8] [17]